Aspen Xtreme

Team Years: 2

https://www.ds-stride.org/columbusbuddywalk/profiles/team/AspenXtreme

Welcome to our 2019 Columbus Buddy Walk® team fundraising page! We can't wait to join thousands of other participants at The Fortress on Sunday, September 29th, 2019 to celebrate all of our fundraising success! This will be our 2nd Buddy Walk as Team Aspen Xtreme! Please stay tuned for more information about our team regarding upcoming fundraising opportunities and our team's tailgating plans for the day of the walk.

With over 250,000 people in the United States with Down syndrome, we strive to provide tools and opportunities that promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in our communities. Every dollar we raise brings us one step closer to ensuring that our child and every individual will have the opportunity to reach their potential.

On March 31, 2018 Aspen came into this world! We had no idea how our lives were going to change for the better! With her contagious smile and captivating eyes, she spreads so much joy to everyone around her! Shortly after her birth, we were told by the head nurse that they were 99% sure that she had Down Syndrome as well as some major heart defects. At this point, we were focusing on her heart defects because we knew that having Down Syndrome was going to be ok!!!

Aspen has proven to the world how strong and brave she is! She spent the first 19 days of her life at Nationwide Children's Hospital. At 12 days old she had open heart surgery that repaired 3 out of the 4 heart defects. Her heart is so strong now!!! In December we had a major scare. Aspen was hospitalized for 21 days for respiratory failure. Again, she proved how strong she was, she fought the entire time! We also appreciated all of our prayer warriors!!!

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio has supported us since day 1. Both hospital stays, they sent care packages and checked in on us throughout the stays. Both Johnny and I have joined parent groups. Johnny attends monthly meetings and activities with the DADS group and I attend monthly meetings (when I can) with the Powell MOMS Group. We have been blessed to have this amazing organization so close to home! They are a part of our family!!! Prior to Aspen coming into this world, we have watched how this organization positively impacted my college roommates little girl, Mallory (Go Team Mighty Mallory). From scholarships, parent and sibling programs, community activities, educational programs, sports camps, and much more, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio provides so much for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Please join Team Aspen Xtreme and help us spread awareness, acceptance and inclusion! Last year was such a blast and we are looking to make our team bigger and better! If you can’t attend the walk, no problem! You can provide a donation to the team.

Our fundraising efforts will support local programs and services, as well as National Down Syndrome Society advocacy and public awareness initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

Make your tax-deductible donation today and take the first step toward helping us achieve our goal. Thank you for your support! Much Love! Katie, Johnny, Brooklyn and Aspen!